Salvation Army expanding capacity due to winter weather

The Salvation Army of Augusta is relaxing its normal policies to accommodate people seeking shelter from winter weather in the CSRA.

Augusta area Commander Major Tony Perez says they've made some great adjustments to be ready for the people who come in.

"Because of the inclement weather we want to get as many people off the streets as we possibly can. With the weather, snow on the ground, cold weather, and avoiding anybody getting sick, frostbite, all those types of things," Perez says.

The organization's Center of Hope shelter will have overflow mats available Tuesday and Wednesday to accommodate the expected 140 people staying at the shelter.

The shelter will also lift its normal policy limiting the number of stays per month.

Women and younger-than-school-age children will be allowed to remain in the building all day Tuesday and Wednesday.

Men will be allowed to check in to the shelter at 4:30 PM, which is earlier than normal, and will be allowed to remain in the transient lodge after breakfast until 9 a.m.

Meal service will continue as normal. People staying in the shelter overnight will receive dinner and breakfast daily.

The Salvation Army has also seen more volunteers come in to help with the extra food preparation and serving.

The Kroc Center will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday and open at 10 a.m. Wednesday.